The primary target of the releasing and inhibiting hormones of the hypothalamus is the:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypothalamic releasing (e.g., TRH) and inhibiting (e.g., dopamine) hormones target the anterior pituitary, stimulating (e.g., TSH) or suppressing (e.g., prolactin) its hormone release to regulate endocrine glands. Liver/adipose respond to hormones (e.g., insulin), not hypothalamic signals directly. Gonads are pituitary targets (e.g., FSH), not hypothalamus'. Bone marrow isn't endocrine-regulated. Anterior pituitary's role as intermediary distinguishes it, key to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, unlike downstream or unrelated tissues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The hypothalamus synthesizes oxytocin and ADH, stored in the posterior pituitary true. Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation and progesterone/estrogen production true. FSH/LH hyposecretion causes sterility true. ADH, however, reduces urine volume by increasing water reabsorption, raising blood volume, not decreasing it making B false. This error distinguishes ADH's role in osmoregulation, critical for fluid balance, contrasting with diuretic effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tropic hormones (e.g., TSH, ACTH) from the anterior pituitary stimulate other endocrine glands to release hormones, regulating their activity. Pineal (melatonin) and thymus (thymosin) aren't primary targets, and nervous tissue isn't hormonally stimulated. This gland-targeting role distinguishes tropic hormones, vital for endocrine coordination, contrasting with direct tissue effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The endocrine and nervous systems regulate body functions: endocrine via hormones (slow, widespread), nervous via neurons (fast, specific). Immune defends, circulatory transports, respiratory oxygenates supportive, not regulatory. This dual control distinguishes them, key to coordination, contrasting with protective or transport systems.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary stimulates adrenal cortisol release, managing stress/metabolism. Aldosterone (adrenal) and angiotensin (RAAS) regulate fluid, ADH controls water not cortisol. ACTH's specific role distinguishes it, key to the HPA axis, contrasting with fluid-regulating hormones.